Tyre terminology can often be confusing at times. Refer to this glossary of general terms to make an informed decision about your purchase.
When referring to the tyre sidewall (we will speak more about this soon) there will be sequence of numbers, letters and symbols that may be confusing. This handy guide will help you figure out what all these ambiguous things mean.
Tread
Tread is the part of rubber on your tyre that makes direct contact with the road. As tyres are used, the tread is worn off. We always refer to tread or tread wear when looking at replacing your tyres.
Bead
Tyre bead is the edge of the tyre that sits on the wheel holding it together.
Sidewall
The sidewall is the vertical space of your tyre with a smooth edge. The sidewall contains markings such as tyre size.
Aspect Ratio
You can find your tyres aspect ratio on your tyres sidewall. Aspect ratio means the tyre height as a percentage of the width.
Load Index
Load index is located on your tyres sidewall and informs you on the load carrying capacity of your tyre.
Speed Rating
Speed rating will tell you the maximum speed your tyre can legally travel at.
Tyre Type
Tyre type can mean a number of different things from the construction to type of tyre your vehicle requires such as a passenger tyre.
Alignment
A wheel alignment measures the angle of your wheels in reference to each other and the vehicle. When measured by your tyre specialist, the vehicles suspension can be altered to the ideal alignment
Balance
Balancing refers to distributing the weight of your tyres and wheels equally around the vehicle.
Overinflation
Overinflation occurs when your tyres surpass the recommended PSI. There are very few circumstances in which you should over-inflate your tyres.
Underinflation
Underinflation is quite common when a regular tyre check, monitoring the PSI is missed. We recommend checking your PSI every month to ensure tyres are properly inflated. Certain activities may permit under-inflated tyres such as driving off-road. Always refer to your vehicle manufacture for guidance on the appropriate inflation.
Rotation
Tyre rotation looks at minimising uneven tread wear and prolonging the life of your tyres. A rotation involves moving your tyres around the vehicle.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are exactly that. They are little bits of rubber that indicate when your tyre should be replaced spread evenly throughout the grooves of your tyre.
All Terrain
All terrain are 4WD or SUV tyres that allow your car to travel on all surfaces including but not limited to: rock, gravel, sand, bitumen and snow.
Highway Terrain
Highway terrain tyres are 4WD or SUV tyres that are primarily made for highway use.
Mud Terrain
Mud Terrain tyres or Muddies are made for extreme off-road driving.
Run-Flat
Run-flat tyres are designed to endure a puncture at a reduced speed and limited distance. This means you don’t need to call a tow truck or change your tyre immediately when punctured.
Part Worn
Part worn tyres are used tyres.
High Performance
High performance tyres deliver exactly that, performance.
All Season
All season tyres are most commonly used among motorists. They provide good handling and braking in hot and cold weather.
Summer Tyres
Summer tyres are designed to perform in a hotter climate.
Winter Tyres
Winter tyres are designed to perform in a colder climate.
Energy Saving Tyres
Energy saving tyres or fuel-efficient tyres have low rolling resistance.
Carcass
Carcass or tyre carcass refers to the framework of the tyre.
PSI
Tyre air pressure is measured as pounds per square inch. The recommend PSI for most vehicles is between 30 and 35 PSI. However, this can vary depending on your vehicle and your vehicles activities.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance is the outside factors that work against your vehicle moving forward. Tyre rolling resistance is the energy or power behind a tyre over a defined distance. A low rolling resistance tyre is generally more fuel-efficient than a conventional tyre.
Speed Rating
Speed ratings are cited in kilometres per hour and converted to miles per hour. It tells us the maximum speed a tyre or vehicle can perform at.
Tyre Placard
Your tyre placard could be located in a number of spots including the glove box, drivers door and inside the fuel cap. You can easily refer to the details in your owners manual. Your tyre placard informs on correct tyre use for your vehicle such as tyre size and inflation pressure. This information can also be found on the sidewall of your tyres.
Traction
Traction refers to your tyres grip on the roads surface. This is something to look for when purchasing tyres particularly if you drive around in wet weather or on dangerous roads. Tread design, compound and tyre construction all contribute to traction.
Valve
The valve is directly located on the inner tube of a tyre and is where you can release or add air to your tyres.
Retreading
Retreading refers to the remanufacturing process of replacing the tread on old worn out tyres to give them a second life.
Rim
Although we may use rim and wheel interchangeably, the rim is actually the outer edge of the wheel holding the tyre and wheel together.
Slick Tyres
Slick tyres or racing tyres have minimal tread and a smooth surface. They are primarily used for racing to generate more speed. Slick tyres are only used for competition and are illegal on our roads.
Tyre Ageing
Your tyres may look brand new but are they safe if they are old? Tyre ageing refers to your tyres deteriorating over time. Tyre ageing is an issue of rubber exposure to oxygen. As the rubber dries out over time it will become stiffer which will lead to cracking. At the bare minimum tyres should be replaced every 10 years. However, should be checked by a tyre fitter annually once they reach the 5 year mark. You can check the age of your tyre by referring to the tyre sidewall. The marking will follow after the letters DOT with the following sequence outlining the week and year the tyre was made. For example, if your tyre was made on the second week of 2021 you will see the numbers 0221.
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